Overview

Soi Yaksa Trek is a beautiful and thrilling trek of Bhutan. It takes you to the base camp of Mount Jomalhari, which is the second highest unclimbed peak in the earth. From the base camp, we can see spectacular views of Mt. Jomalhari. Soi Yaksa is the best nature-loving adventure trek that offers stunning views of mountains, alpine pasture and also gets the opportunity to explore a couple of villages neighboring with the Tibet. Michael Palin exclaimed, “Farewell big, monumental, Himalayan peaks,” while in his trek of BBC Himalaya Adventure. In this trek, we also visit some more popular places of Bhutan such as the Rinpung Dzong, Kichu Lhakhang, Drugyal Dzong, Memorial Chorten of King, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Bhutanese traditional Painting School and Museums.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival at Paro (by Druk Air)

On a clear day, you can see the beautiful views of Himalaya from the flight. On your arrival, our airport representative will greet you and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon you can visit Paro Dzong, which was built in 1646. After crossing the wooden bridge, there is a temple named Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country.

Meals included: Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2

Paro - Hike to Tiger Nest Monastery (acclimatization hike)

After breakfast, you hike up to the most famous monastery, Taktsang Monastery, set on the edge of a steep cliff about 900 meters from Paro Valley. The monastery is also known as the Tiger’s Nest. It was the meditation cave of Guru Rinpoche (8th century), claimed Guru had flown on the back of the tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuentse for meditation. The hike makes a beautiful half day excursion.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 3

Paro-Shana Trek starts

The entire trek starts from Drugyal Dzong at 2,580m. From here you will walk down with following the Pachhu River, then climbs gently through the rice terraces and fields of millet. Soon the trail enters a wide valley, the area of apple orchards, traditional farmhouses and tiny settlement of Misthi Zampa and Shanghatan. After walking through the blue pine forest for a while you will reach the Army Camp of Gunistsawa at 2,810m. Here your trekking permit will be checked and this is the last stop before Tibet. You will camp at 2,870m, just beyond Shana Zampa, at the meadows surrounded by trees.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Distance: 17Km (Walking 6hrs)

Day 4

Shana- Sio Thangkha

Today again follow the Pachu River, the trail makes ascending and descending through the pine Oak forest. The continues hiking with crossing several streams, you will reach Singkharap, a stone house at 3110m. Hot lunch will be served after crossing the bridge toward the left side of a river. Then after lunch climb up through rhododendron forest and finally reach the campsite, altitude of 3,750m.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Distance: 22Km (Walking 8hrs)

Day 5

Sio Thangka- Jangothang

Today is not so much long day for the trek, but significantly gaining the high altitude. You will trek along the river above the tree line, with beautiful marvelous views of surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served in a yak herder’s camp. After lunch, you walk for the final approach, and camp at Jongothang at an altitude of 4,040m.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Distance: 19Km (Walking 6hrs)

Day 6

Rest day in Jangothang (Base Camp)

Today is a rest and acclimatization for the next day’s highest climb on this trek. We hike to explore nearby mountains and lakes.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Day 7

Jangothang - Dhumzo

The trails off to last settlement in the valley and descend to Paro Chu, crossing the wooden bridge and then climb up to Tshophu Lake( 4380m). You will come across a second lake after you climb across a slope to a crest. And descend into a hidden valley, and climb up to Bonte La Pass (4890m) from where we can see great views of Basingthang (5500m) and Chtarake (5570m). After the pass, the trail descends crisscrossing through yak trails down to the Dhumzo Chhu and after walking down below few houses you arrive at a camp at 3800 meters.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Distance: 16Km (Walking 7hrs)

Day 8

Dhumzo - Thombu Shong

The trail climbs over 100 m over a ridge and then drops to another stream. After crossing this stream, the trail heads up the hillside dropping into a small valley before emerging onto a ridge. Here the route turns south, ascending past few huts to Takhung Chung La (4520 m). A short descent leads to Thombu Shong (4180 m) with few yak herders huts.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Distance: 11Km (Walking 5hrs)

Day 9

Thombu Shong - Shana Zampa

Climb out of the valley to Thombu La at 4380 m, and then drop gradually to about 4000 m. The trail then makes a steep descent, switchbacking down the ridge, finally reaching the helipad at Gunitsawa (2730 m).

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Distance: 13Km/ (Walking 5hrs)

Day 10

Shana Zampa - Drugyal Dzong (Trek ends) - Drive to Thimphu

Trails lead through blue pine forests along the Paro Chhu River along farmhouses, rice fields, small human settlements and then finally arrive Drugyal Dzong. Your car will be waiting to transfer you to Thimphu. If time permits, you will visit the Kings Memorial Chorten (built in the memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, and Trashichhodzong.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Distance: 17Km (Walking 5Hrs)

Day 11

Thimphu sightseeing - Punakha

In the morning visit the Textile Museum, where the art of traditional weaving is still kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in its color and design, then visit the Folk Heritage Museum, which is dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibition of items and artifacts used in rural households and then depart to Punakha, leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochola pass (3050 m). This pass often offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. After stopping for tea and the view, we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 12

Punakha - Wangdue - Paro

After breakfast visit Wangdue Dzong, one of the major towns and district headquarters of western Bhutan. We make a short stop to view the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong dramatically located on the spur of a hill at the confluence of the Tsang Chu and Dang Chhu and then drive back to Thimphu via Dochola pass. One can also hike through the Botanical Garden of Docho La where one can see the different varieties of Rhododendrons, Magnolia, Cherry and other flowers in bloom (April & May months) and then continue your drive to Paro via Thimphu. In the evening take a stroll around the streets of Paro for last minute shopping.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 13

Paro - Departure (by Druk Air)

An early breakfast will be served at your hotel, then drive a short distance to the Paro airport where your Bhutanese escort will bid you farewell. Goodbye and happy journey back home.

Meals included: Breakfast

Price Details

Includes

From and to airport transfer to hotel on a private tourist vehicle.

Apex Asia Holiday provides English speaking local guide.

Accommodation, foods, insurance, salary, equipment, and medicine for field staff.

Trekking/tour permits, entrance fees.

All government taxes and official expenses.

Excludes

International Airfare and taxes

All drinks including bottled/boiled water along the trekking route

Travel insurance

Personal trekking/tour gear

Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section

Important Trip Info

In Nepal, there are two kinds of transport, public and private. We mostly recommend you to use the private than the public because the roads two ways that make traffic, and the private vehicle can avoid the traffic by choosing the proper time for less traffic.

Most of the activities in Nepal is in the high Himalaya. Where you can to think about the very quality of accommodation. The mountain lodge/ tea houses are least facilitate with neat and clean. However, in the cities, there are multiple options to chose the hotel from general guesthouse to a five-star hotel.

In Nepal, you will get the extensive food menu. From the international food menu to local foods. Dal Bhat is the main course of Nepal. Your guide will help you to choose the suitable food, on the trek and tour.

Trekking is the popular trekking ventures in Nepal, which is always in the High Himalaya and where we have the chance to get altitude sickness. So, it is highly recommended to learn more about the High Altitude Sickness before you start the trek. Hurry can be deadly in Nepal Himalaya. Walk slow, and give enough time to your body to fit in the high altitude. Drinking more water and stepping slowly with rest is the best protection against altitude sickness.

It is necessary to have travel insurance before you embark on any trip. The insurance policy should include the cost of medical expenses, any damage or loss of your luggage, and cancellation.

Nepal is one of the safe and more peaceful countries around the world. Even though you must have your Travel Insurance and the should cover the area which is on your itinerary.

Traveling is the way of getting in touch with the local peoples. It is important to recognize what is acceptable in the society, such as dresses, behaviors, and language. There might be different than your own country. Most of the people can communicate in English in the cities and also some touristy towns but if you have learned a few words Nepali, like greetings “Namaste” that make a huge difference.

Apex Asia Holidays always concern about the health and safety of the clients. Our guide carries a first aid kit with the directed medicine by the doctors. We also recommend you to discuss with your doctor about your visit at least a month ago. In case of severe or emergency, we transfer you to the nearest hospital. Safety is the first important for us as a responsible tour agency, so we do not take unnecessary risk.

Group Leader and Crew General

Equipment Checklist

Passports and extra photos

Any prescribed medicine

Water bottle

Head Lamp

Ibuprofen for general pain/ ache

Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea

Sun creams

Small Day Pack

A cap to protect your ear and neck from sunlight

Warm wool or synthetic hat

UV protective glaciers sunglasses - better to have side shield.

A pair liner woolen gloves for mild days and heavy for morning and evening

Three cotton t-shirts

Three synthetic t-shirt

Two long sleeve polyesters, light colored shirts for sunny days.

A soft shell jacket, water resistant, with insulation, underarm ventilation zippers. The full front zipper is preferable for ventilation.

For women two synthetic sports bras, no cotton.

Two pairs of nylon hiking shorts.

Underwear, stay away from cotton.

Two pairs lightweight long underwear.

Two pair trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees.

At least four pairs of liner socks, synthetic. And three pair heavyweight socks to be worn over liner socks.

A pair of lightweight socks, a good option for the lower / warmer parts of the trail and also on lodges at the time of dinner.

A pair light to medium weight waterproof hiking/trekking boots. Make sure the size and should have to be avoidable for blister.

A pair light trekking shoes or sneakers to wear in and about camps or lodge.

Private Trip

Depending on your requirements, we can make this a private trip for you and your group. Please mention this at the time of booking online.

Customized Trip

This is a template of this trip. We can modify the activities and/or days depending on your time availability, budget and interest.

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Voluntourism

On April 25th, 2015, a 7.8M earthquake struck Gorkha, which claimed 19,000 lives. Half a million houses were destroyed, leaving countless without homes and livelihood. Help the people of Nepal through our trip!

100% Local and Authentic

The trips we run are local and authentic. We use only local resources, including guides and porters, so you’ll be directly giving back to the communities you visit.

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Our clients have been very pleased with the trips, and have given us raving reviews. We ensure that the trips are both fun, safe and fulfilling.

Self Discovery

The terrains and cultures that the trips explore will leave you in awe, and show you the best of the Himalayas across Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet.

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Out trip leaders are highly qualified and have been in the industry for a long time, and know exactly what goes into making a great adventure!

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Challenge yourself in the treks that we operate! We prioritize safety and will make sure that the trips are as fun as they are safe, whether it be treks or tours.

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